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Englebright Lake is located near Smartville, on Highway 20, 21 miles east of Marysville and 15 miles west of Grass Valley. There are 24 miles of shoreline on the 9-mile-long lake.

Englebright is rich in history. Authorized by Congress for the storage of hydraulic gold mining debris, Englebright Dam is a concrete arch structure, 260 feet high and 1,142 feet long. It was constructed in the steep Yuba River gorge known as the Narrows. In later years, two power plants were added below the dam for the generation of hydroelectric power.

The 815-acre lake provides plenty of space for the boating enthusiast, waterskier, or angler. Camping at Englebright Lake is unique as all campsites are boat-in only. Sites are all near the water, offering lake views and bank fishing at your doorstep. There is a $6 fee to camp and launching is free to paid campers.

Englebright offers nearly 100 developed boat-in campsites, one group picnicking area, one group camping area, two launch ramps, small marina, store and cafe. A small picnic area with a fishing access trail is located near the park office. Boat launch ramps are located at the Narrows and Joe Miller Ravine Recreation Areas.

Surprisingly, for a lake only an hour or so from Sacramento, the facilities are not overrun. Some say it's because of its awkward location. But rest assured, it's not because of the fishing.

April through June are excellent months for fishing. That's when the lake is stocked with thousands of 8 to 12 inch trout.